Employee of the Month: September 2021
Ensuring smooth practice operations, providing top-notch client service, and motivating staff are all in a day’s work for Certified Veterinary Practice Manager Heather Duda.
NameHeather R. Duda, CVPM |
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Practice nameGamble Pet Clinic, Fort Collins, Colorado |
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OccupationPractice Manager |
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Started in veterinary medicine2004 |
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Years at practice17 |
Why Is She So Awesome?
Heather is dedicated to making sure clients and patients have the best experience possible each and every time they interact with the practice. Heather has been an integral part of growing and developing the practice from the first day it opened with only a couple of clients, to the patient- and client-centered practice that it is today. Heather understands that in order to provide excellent care, the team needs to be cohesive, well trained, caring, and dedicated to doing the best they can.
She has an ability to “see” the potential in others and to coach to excellence. Heather encourages others to continually seek to improve themselves and she set an example for others to follow by setting a goal to become a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager. She worked hard to obtain that goal while working a full-time schedule and being mom.
How Does She Go Above and Beyond?
Heather works in the practice every day while also working on the practice to ensure a smooth operation with seamless care, regardless of which team members the clients and patients interact with. She is a receptionist, an exam room assistant, an anesthesia assistant, a supervisor, and a manager. She checks in with the team (including the associate veterinarians and practice owner!) to make sure they are able to do their job, helps them when they struggle, and motivates them to be the best they can be.
In Their Own Words
Why do you love your job? I love the ability to problem solve every day. The people I work with and the many awesome clients we have also make me want to go to work every day and do my very best.
Favorite Celebrity: Robert Downey Jr.
Pets at home: Two elderly cats named Bobbie and Captain Morgan and a shepherd dog mix named Sam.
What brought you to the profession? I was offered an opportunity to help start a veterinary practice and was excited by the challenge. I stayed because I learn something new every day.
Hobbies outside of work: Reading, cooking, landscaping projects.
Favorite book/show: Favorite book, All the Pretty Horses, by Cormac McCarthy; favorite series, Grey’s Anatomy.
Each month in Trends, we will spotlight a team member from an accredited practice.
Does your team boast an outstanding veterinarian, technician, customer service representative, or kennel worker?
Let us know at [email protected]!
Photo credits: Photo courtesy of Gamble Pet Clinic.